Community News
Gillespie Council eyes new TIF district
Gillespie City Council members voted on Monday night to start the process for establishing a new Tax Increment Financing district and ratified a long-awaited contract with city laborers, but a much-anticipated vote on whether or not to take possession of the former Canna Theater was tabled until next month on the advice of City Attorney Dan O’Brien (read Canna Theater coverage here).
TIF DISTRICT II
The council voted 7-1 to enter into a contract with Moran Economic Development, Edwardsville, to begin laying the groundwork to establish a second Tax Increment Finance district focusing on undeveloped areas on the city’s northwest side. The contract cost is not to exceed $23,900, plus actual expenses not to exceed $1,500.
Consultant Keith Moran told the council that establishing a TIF district would take four to six months. District boundaries are subject to refinement but tentatively encompasses an area in which a substantial number of vacant lots owned either by the city or Community Unit School District 7 lay. A goal of the district would be to incentivize construction of new homes, essentially converting vacant lots into tax-producing properties.
“Some of those lots are tax-exempt,” Moran said. “They generate zero tax dollars.”
The city could offer incentives to either the developer or the home-buyer, he said, offering to rebate property taxes over a specified period of time. As an example, a $150,000 home constructed on a currently empty lot would generate about $4,000 in tax revenue, according to Moran. TIF districts generate revenue by “capturing” increases in property tax collections that accrue after the real estate is included in the district, meaning the entire $4,000 would be captured a TIF funding. From that revenue, the city could offer to rebate a percentage of the property tax paid by the homeowner. The city also could allot a percentage of the revenue to the school district, though the school district’s share probably would be less than the lion’s share of property tax bills school districts typically collect. If the school district was allotted 20 percent of the revenue, for instance, the school’s share would amount to about $800, compared with the more than $2,000 the school district normally would receive.
Moran said the school district is receptive to the idea of a new TIF district because of the potential to capture some revenue from properties that currently contribute nothing to the school district coffers. Moreover, if the new housing brings new families into the city, the school district would benefit from increased enrollment.
“They’d rather get $800 and some new students than to get nothing from those lots,” Moran explained.
Moran said the new TIF district will be the city’s second such project. The first TIF district, which encompasses much of the downtown business district and adjacent areas, was created nearly 20 years ago and is set to expire in about five years.
“That district is more of a boutique TIF district to benefit business development,” Moran said. “This would be a different type of TIF. This would be housing-oriented. These are undeveloped lots where we’d like to see new houses to create a new revenue stream to help bring some folks into town.”
City Treasurer Dan Fisher told the council an initial focus would be on lots located south of the newly constructed solar panel array adjacent to the water treatment plant, with an eye toward building homes that are “as close to net-zero as possible.” The new homes would be highly energy-efficient and rely largely on alternative energy sources such as solar panels.
“Younger families are looking for a type of housing that is not generally available in Gillespie,” he said.
Details regarding tax incentives to homeowners and the division of property tax revenue between the city and school district would be negotiated as plans for the new TIF district come into focus. “There are all kinds of ways to tweak the formula to bring as much benefit as possible,” Fisher said.
Moran said another advantage to the new TIF district is that it would be continuous with the existing TIF district. Funds could be transferred from one to the other if the chooses to do so, he said.
Ald. Bob Fritz noted that some lots, particularly those located near the bowling alley, are “swamps.” Raising the level of those lots to make them suitable building sites would be costly and he wondered if the TIF district would generate enough money to make those lots viable building sites.
The council approved entering into a contract with Moran on a motion by Ald. Rauzi, seconded by Ald. Frank Barrett. Ald. Rick Fulton cast the single negative vote.
LABORERS CONTRACT
On a motion by Barrett, seconded by Rauzi, the council voted unanimously to approve a contract with the Laborers Union subject to review by the city attorney. The most recent contract, which covers employees with the Street, Water and Lake departments, reportedly expired Dec. 31. Apart from compensation, among the major sticking points in the 10-month negotiation was establishing a classification for “floaters,” employees shared among all three departments, and how to compensate them.
The new three-year contract calls for salary increases of 1.5 percent in the first year, followed by subsequent increases of one to two percent in the remaining two years. Additionally, the contract creates a sign-on bonus and establishes longevity bonuses to be paid upon completion of five-year increments of service. Under the contract, employees are eligible for a $500 bonus after five years and $750 after completing 10 years.
Treasurer Fisher said “it was not an easy negotiation.” He complemented union representatives, however, for working with the city and maintaining civility even when negotiating sessions became heated.
In a related matter, the council approved a 1.5 percent salary increase for employees who are not part of a bargaining unit, along with longevity bonuses “as appropriate.” non-bargaining employees basically include office staff in the City Clerk’s office.
Also in the area personnel, the council agreed to promote Austin Loftis from part-time status to a full-time employee at Gillespie Lake.
STREETSCAPE BIDS
Council members voted unanimously to authorize Curry & Associates city engineers to begin the process of developing bidding specifications for Phase I of the city’s ambitious downtown streetscape project. Phase I, with an estimated price tag of $2 million, will involve improving sanitary and storm sewer lines below the downtown business district.
“You have to fix what’s underground before you can do anything above ground,” Fisher said. He said engineers will present an explanation of the project to the full council in December with an eye toward opening bids in January and starting construction in the spring.
With a total estimated cost of $4 million, the streetscape project is expected to beautify and enhance the downtown business district. The project includes sidewalk and lighting improvements, the addition of trees and green spaces and improved parking.
The city has secured a $1 million state grant to help underwrite the project.
ROLLER PURCHASE DEBATED
The council rejected a proposal to purchase a roller for the Street Department after a contentious debate over the issue. The Street Department leased the equipment this summer and returned to the council for permission to purchase last month. At that time Mayor Hicks directed Ald. Rick Fulton, committee chair, to return the equipment and “look into” purchasing it next fiscal year.
Rauzi reported the city spent $3,380 to rent the roller for two months. The purchase price for the equipment is $28,000, but Fulton said the vendor is willing to apply rent the city already has paid against the purchase price, bringing the total down to $15,000. Rauzi, however, questioned the wisdom of buying a piece of equipment the Street Department currently uses only a few months out of the year.
“It would take eight years to break even,” she said, adding the city should not spend money to buy a piece of equipment that would be idle most of the year. “Is it just going to look good sitting out there?”
“It’s a piece of equipment that we need,” Fulton countered. With the roller available to them, he said, street crews could lay asphalt in winter. The Department has heating equipment to heat asphalt in cold weather but street department workers said the asphalt is less likely to “stick” when they roll it by driving a truck over it.
Ald. Landon Pettit pointed out that the money spent so far for rent would be lost if the city let the equipment go back to the vendor. “You send it back,” he said, “and you go back to square one.”
Rauzi asked why the roller wasn’t returned last month after the mayor directed the Street Department to do so. Failure to follow the mayor’s directive caused the city to incur another month’s worth of rent payments.
“So if the mayor asks you to do something, we just do what we want now?” Rauzi asked.
Ald. Bill Hayes, participating in the meeting by phone, concurred. “John (Hicks) told these guys to take that back and we’d look at it next year,” Hayes said. “It’s in the minutes. It’s as simple as that.”
On the recommendation of City Treasurer Fisher, the council unanimously voted to give the Treasurer authority to arrange a bank loan to pay for a truck purchased last month for the Lake Department. Fisher said the truck has been delivered and has been paid for “but I’d rather not tie up our capital.”
MOTOR FUEL TAX RESOLUTION
On Fisher’s recommendation, the council approved a $250,000 Motor Fuel Tax resolution. The resolution, which must be filed with the Illinois Department of Transportation, is essentially an appropriation setting the maximum amount the city can spend from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund during 2022. Last year’s MFT resolution was increased to $500,000 in anticipation of street repairs associated with the water infrastructure improvement project.
POLICE PROTECTION FEE HIKE
Council members voted unanimously to notify satellite communities for which the city provides police protection services of a 3.5 percent fee increase, effective Jan. 1. The increase will be authorized by an ordinance to be approved next month.
Fisher said it has been two years since the city increased police protection fees.
Affected communities include Benld, Mount Clare and Eagarville.
LAKE ANNEXATION
City aldermen directed City Attorney O’Brien to research legal requirements for annexing Gillespie Lake into the city limits.
Lake Chair Frank Barrett said the City of Carlinville is in the process of annexing Carlinville Lake.
“With the population losses we’ve had, I think it would be worth doing,” Barrett said.
Barrett also reported the Lake Committee is considering increases in camping fees, lake lot leases and boat stickers for Gillespie Lake. The committee will announce a public meeting to collect input on the issue.
In other action, the council approved the purchase and installation of a new furnace for the lake store and office at a cost of $5,650. Bennett Heating and Cooling was the low bidder for the project.
WATER BILL RESOLUTION
Council members voted unanimously to accept a one-time payment of $1,833.69 to settle an outstanding water bill resulting from a water leak at a residence on Calcari Street. Rauzi said the homeowners were not at home when the leak occurred in November 2010, resulting in a water bill of more than $2,300. At the time of the dispute, the council rejected a request to allow the customer to make three equal monthly payments of about $900 each. In the meantime, the account accrued nearly $4,400 in late fees and penalties.
Rauzi said Hicks recommended accepting $1,823.69—half of the original amount owed—to satisfy the bill. Settling the bill, Rauzi said, would allow the city to restore water service and again start collecting revenue from the location.
OTHER ACTION
In other action, the council:
- Voted 7-1 to purchase a single-head tapper beer cooler for the Civic Center from Franklin Fixtures, Edwardsville, at a cost of $2,488.
- Authorized expenditure of up to $200 to advertise surplus lots for sale.
- Approved a gambling permit for C-Jo’s tavern for a Queen of Hearts operation.
- Directed Ald. Fritz to get a minimum of three bids to replace windows on the front of the Civic Center.
- Approved a lease agreement with Adam Tallman to rent a parking area behind the Police Department at a cost of $500 per month for two years.
- Approved payment of a $6,525 facade improvement grant to Kal’s Customs from the TIF Fund.
- Approved payment of $17,404 from the TIF Fund to United Community Bank as park of a redevelopment agreement.
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The Wilsonville Progressive Club will celebrate and host a 90 year Anniversary Party on Saturday, May 11. The party will include a catered dinner, a live band, and fireworks.
Doors will open at 2 pm with a catered dinner being served at 4 pm. The Shane Kessinger Experience (live band) will play at 5 pm, and a grand fireworks display will be held at dusk.
The Progressive Club was originally established in 1934 by the Progressive Miners and was located on the northwest side of Wilsonville’s main street. The Club moved to their new building in January of 1949 and today this is still the current location at 212 Wilson Street in Wilsonville.
Wilsonville was founded in 1917 when Superior Coal Co. Mine No. 4 was sunk and this was the most modern mine in the Superior field. At that time, the little settlement which grew up around the mine was called Wilson. One day a worker paused and asked, “What are we going to name this town?” President Wilson was in office, thus the town was then and there named Wilson until 1919 when it was incorporated and the name expanded to Wilsonville.
The Wilsonville Progressive Club is operated and maintained by an elected panel of trustees and loyal members. The Club is open to the public and membership is always welcome. The large outdoor covered pavilion and manicured grassy side lot offer an attractive and convenient venue for any event along with inside facilities.
If you are interested in renting for any kind of event, call 217-835-3122 during open hours which are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 4 pm to close, and Sunday doors open at 2 pm. Every Sunday afternoon at 4 pm is the Queen of Hearts drawing and the Club is on Facebook as well.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Oak Street in reference to a dog bite.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street to pick up a found item.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Chestnut Street in reference to a burglary.
An officer was out in the 200 block of North Macoupin Street in reference to a motorist assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Schmidt Street in reference to a 911 call.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South 1st Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical call.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of South Illinois Street in Benld in reference to illegal burning.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to an animal complaint.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Horizon Street in reference to a 911 call.
MONDAY, APRIL 15, 2024
An officer was dispatched to Gillespie Police Department to speak with a male in reference to a theft in the 100 block of South Main Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Osie Street in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
Nicholas O. Landolt, 36, of Gillespie was arrested on multiple warrants including one out of St. Clair County for possession for methamphetamine, a second one out of Montgomery County for failure to appear for driving while license was revoked, and a third out of Macoupin County for failure to appear for methamphetamine.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of Broadway Street in reference to a medical alarm.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a theft in the 200 block of West Oak Street.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to criminal damage to her property.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to identity theft.
An officer spoke with a female in the 100 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to a neighbor dispute.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a violation of an order of protection.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Southern Street in reference to a suspicious person.
TUESDAY, APRIL 16, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 1100 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to criminal damage to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 900 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespass to property. Melissa J. Hughes, 49, of Benld was arrested on a Montgomery County warrant for theft/larceny.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Francis Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil issue in the 700 block of Rose Street in Benld.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of South 5th Street in Benld in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Pine Street to assist the Department of Children and Family Services.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Broadway Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of East Central Avenue in Benld in reference to a 911 call.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 2024
An officer spoke with a female at Gillespie Police Department in reference to fraud in the 200 block of South Macoupin.
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 500 block of East Elm Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to Route 4 and Staunton Road in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of Gillespie Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer was dispatched to High Street and Gillespie Street in reference to a suspicious noise.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of High Street in reference to unwanted solicitors.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was flagged down at Elm Street and Clinton Street and spoke with an individual in reference to a civil issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to a suspicious circumstance.
THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024
An officer was dispatched to a business in the 400 block of South Macoupin Street in reference to a panic alarm sounding.
An officer was dispatched to the 1300 block of South Second Street in reference to a civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Osie Street in reference to a dog bite. Heather L. Kimberlin, 47, of Gillespie was issued a citation for dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was out with a suspicious vehicle in the alley in the 500 block of Park Avenue.
An officer was dispatched to East Walnut and South Main Street in Benld in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the Veterans Memorial Park in Benld in reference to a suspicious vehicle that had been parked there for a couple of days.
Gillespie Police Department was requested for traffic control by the Gillespie Fire Department for a fire on Eagarville Road.
FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of East Walnut Street in reference to a traffic crash.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of South Street in Gillespie in reference to a juvenile issue.
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Litchfield Road in East Gillespie in reference to a suspicious person at the storage units. Kathy J. Henderson, 49, of Sawyerville was arrested on a Macoupin County warrant for failure to appear for bad checks
An officer initiated a traffic stop at Maple Street and Macoupin Street. Kenny L. Fults, 18, of Belleville was issued a citation for possession of cannabis.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Mt. Olive Road in Eagarville in reference to civil standby.
An officer was dispatched to the 500 block of West Burton Street in reference to an animal complaint.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
An officer was dispatched to the 700 block of Abba Street in reference to a domestic dispute.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of North 7th Street in Benld in reference to criminal trespassing. Timothy J. Dalpozzo, 57, of Benld was arrested for criminal trespassing to residence and a Macoupin County warrant for criminal trespassing to a residence.
An officer initiated a traffic stop at South Street and Chestnut Street and charges are pending crime lab results.
An officer was dispatched to the 100 block of East Maple Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to Macoupin Street and Elm Street in reference to reckless driving.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of Osie Street in reference to a dog at large.
An officer was dispatched to the 600 block of North 8th Street in Benld in reference to medical assist.
An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of West Spruce Street in reference to a suspicious person.
An officer was dispatched to the 400 block of West Baker Street in reference to criminal trespass to property.
An officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Park Street in Benld in reference to a medical call.
An officer spoke with a male at Gillespie Police Department in reference to an ordinance issue.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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LITCHFIELD, Ill. — HSHS St. Francis Hospital is offering service opportunities to area teens this summer through the 2024 Junior Volunteer Program. Applications are being accepted now through May 1.
Applicants must be high school students maintaining at least a “C” average, be a minimum of 14 years of age by June 1 and be willing to volunteer at least two hours per week during the summer program. Junior volunteers will perform a variety of duties in various hospital departments.
Registration materials are available on the hospital’s website volunteer page at https://www.hshs.org/st-francis/community/volunteer.
All participants in the program will be required to present proof of immunizations for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), and Varicella (chicken pox). An additional requirement includes attendance at a hospital orientation.
A limited number of positions will be available. For more information, contact HSHS St. Francis Hospital at 217-324-8200.
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